The report this morning that the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is reporting a modest dip in small business confidence could have several possible causes. Certainly, one of the concerns is political uncertainty. Much of the energy in the Democratic Party since the 2018 midterms seems to be on the left-wing of the party, however, many Democrats who won seats from the GOP ran as moderates. For decades, Democrats have had the lion share of the black vote, and a much of the Latino vote too. The only Senate Republican who is black is Tim Scott (SC-R), who is pushing his party to be more engaged in seeking minority voters and recruiting minority candidates. With Cory Booker (NJ-D), Kamala Harris (CA-D) and other 2020 Democratic presidential nomination hopefuls working to solidify that traditional voting Democratic block, Scott and the GOP’s efforts to court minority candidates is significant. As the 2016 election results reflected, the modest shift among some minorities to the Trump campaign contributed to their often-narrow margin of victory on election day. This evening, when the markets soared on new hints that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates, our focus will be Scott’s insights, the politics, and related initiatives.

If you’re new, already hooked on our new spotlight feature – or are ready to get the MH professional fever –our headline report is found further below, after the newsmaker bullets and major indexes closing tickers.

Part of this unique evening feature provides headlines – from both sides of the left-right media divide – which saves busy readers time, while underscoring topics that may be moving investors, which in turn move the markets.

Readers say this is also a useful quick-review tool that saves researchers time in getting a handle of the manufactured housing industry, through the lens of publicly-traded stocks connected with the manufactured home industry.

Earlier this week, we spotlighted the announcement by Senator Kamala Harris’ campaign for a home ownership initiative that specifically targets the African American community where millions have faced historic ‘red lining.’ That report is linked below.

Senator Tim Scott has been by President Donald J. Trump’s side in numerous White House photo ops and bill signings aimed at improving opportunities in cities. That has included, but wasn’t limited to, Opportunity Zones, other tax code changes, and prison reforms.

Scott has been pushing for more minority candidates in the GOP. Note the videos from both sides of the left-right media divide.

The CBS video was produced during the waning months of the Obama Administration. It is a fascinating interview that takes two black Senators who have little in common politically that nevertheless feel some common bonds. In a polarized era, it reflects that there are times that leaders can reach beyond party lines.

Senator Scott has stated that he believes that President Trump taking positive steps that have benefited all Americans, but specifically notes the benefits to minorities. That’s reflected by record low unemployment.

That said, and as good as that news is, Senator Harris point – whether one agrees with her policy proposal or not – is one that correct reflects a valid concern. There is a disparity between black and Hispanic minority home ownership rates and that of whites or Asians. As a manufactured home industry focused trade publication, we’d promote the notion that a significant part of the solution ought to be a greater access to the placement of more highly affordable manufactured housing.

Everything shouldn’t be political, but it is what it is. These are issues could be serious issues. The Trump Administration executive order, and some other initiatives by lawmakers have specifically pointed to positive role that manufactured housing can and should play. See the related reports for more.